REGINA, Sask. — The provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan have agreed to cut red tape for commercial truckers operating in the region.

The two provincial governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow truckers and shippers to transport goods more efficiently between the two provinces.

“Transportation is fundamental to supporting Alberta’s economy and we are committed to seeing that regulations don’t impede the economic competitiveness of either province,” said Luke Ouellette, Alberta Minister of Transportation. “This MOU supports highway safety and the reduction of barriers to inter-provincial transportation.”

“For Saskatchewan’s export-based economy, this means businesses will be more competitive in reaching inter-provincial, national and worldwide markets,” Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter added. “Our two governments are acting to reduce red tape and enhance our business climate to continue to grow our provincial economies.”

Specifically, the two provinces have agreed to: harmonize permit conditions for turnpike doubles, oversize and overweight loads and GVWs for B-trains; establish an interprovincial heavy-haul clearance corridor; harmonize permit conditions for the movement of manufactured homes; harmonize the regulation and permit conditions based on the National Safety Code; and cooperate on commercial motor vehicle enforcement activities. The provinces will also conduct a joint research and pilot project on wide-base single tires.

The agreement was welcomed by the trucking associations in both provinces.

“The trucking industry is pleased to see this spirit of co-operation to allow us to move more seamlessly between the two provinces and to literally help us keep the economy moving,” president of Saskatchewan Trucking Association, Glen Ertell, said.

And Richard Warnock, president of the Alberta Motor Transport Association added “From a trucking industry perspective this is good news because it highlights all the work that has been done on transportation between Alberta and Saskatchewan over the years to benefit the economy.”